North McCullough Wilderness

Introduction

The United States Congress designated the North McCullough Wilderness (map) in 2002 and it now has a total of 14,779 acres.
All of this wilderness is located in Nevada and is managed by the Bureau of Land Management.

Description

Less than 30 miles south of Las Vegas, Nevada encompassed by the Sloan Canyon National Consevation Area, lies a place of eye-catching beauty and historical wonder. The North McCullough Wilderness covers the northern portion of the north-south trending McCullough Mountain Range. Unlike surrounding areas, the northern portion of this range is comprised of ancient volcanic rock. The mountains in the North McCullough Wilderness, reaching approximately 5,500 feet, are massive rounded volcanic peaks, which have a steep east-facing escarpment and gradual western slope.

Though a short distance from the lights and sounds of Las Vegas, silence is common on the peaks and in most canyons. Low visitation levels in the southern portion of this wilderness provide opportunities for primitive and unconfined recreation. Diverse non-developed recreational opportunities include hiking, backpacking, rock scrambling, nature study, photography, horseback riding, hunting, and general exploration.

In the northern portion of this wilderness sits the Petroglyph Management Area. This area provides grand opportunities to experience the magnificent petroglyphs left by people of the past. This area is limited to day use only. To keep the petroglyphs pristine, please to not touch the images, as the oils on your skin will damage them. Photographs and sketches are great ways to remember your visit, but rubbings of the images are not permitted.

GEOLOGY

The North McCullough Mountains are volcanic in origin, and are comprised of andesite and basalt flows that date from 6 to 17 million years ago. Black basalt flows can be seen on the ridges, peaks, and western slopes. The eastern escarpment is comprised of reddish-brown andesite breccias. Examples of lava flows, ash falls, and glassy zones are clearly evident.

Planning to Visit the North McCullough Wilderness?

Leave No Trace

How to follow the seven standard Leave No Trace principles differs in different parts of the country (desert vs. Rocky Mountains). Click on any of the principles listed below to learn more about how they apply in the North McCullough Wilderness.